Sterling Rope
Sterling Shock Cord (By the Foot)
Stretchy accessory cord cut to length for gear tethers, bag closures and tie-downs.
Tech Cordage
Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: IMG_0397 by hojaleaf, CC BY 2.0
10mm Bee Line hitch cord from Yale, cut to the length you need.
Yale Bee Line 10mm hitch cord is built to handle the heat a friction hitch makes on descent, and it is sold by the foot so you can cut your own hitch. The thicker diameter suits climbers on larger lines who want smooth tending.
Bee Line has been a staple hitch cord for years, valued for how well its cover handles friction heat. At 10mm it tends smoothly and is less likely to lock up on thicker climbing lines than 8mm cord.
On thinner ropes a 10mm cord may need extra wraps to hold. Test the pairing low to the ground and adjust until it grabs and releases cleanly.
Bee Line comes in more than one size, and the 10mm version is a good match for climbers who find 8mm too grabby on their rope. Buying by the foot also lets you keep a spare length in the gear bag so a worn hitch can be swapped on the job. Expect to replace hitch cord more often than any other soft part of your system, especially in hot weather or on fast descents.
Eyes on a hitch cord carry your full weight. Have them sewn or spliced by a qualified provider, or use a knot taught and tested in your training. Do not improvise terminations at height.
Life-support gear must meet ANSI Z133 requirements and the manufacturer's instructions, be inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers. Hitch cord is a consumable. Replace it when the cover glazes, fuzzes heavily or stiffens from heat. See more tech cordage.
| Brand | Yale Cordage |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 mm |
| Sold | By the foot |
Specs are from the manufacturer's published figures where available. Confirm against the product listing before you buy.
It works best on larger climbing lines. On thin ropes it may need more wraps, so test it first.
Measure a hitch you like and add enough for terminations. Lengths vary with hitch style and rope.